The early bovine preimplantation embryo is resistant to proapoptotic signals until around the 8- to 16-cell stage. We hypothesized that 2-cell embryos have higher amounts of antiapoptotic proteins and lower amounts of proapoptotic proteins when compared to embryos ≥16 cells. Steady-state concentrations of mRNA for the antiapoptotic genes BCL2 and HSPA1A were higher for MII oocytes, 2-cell embryos, and 2-cell embryos treated with alpha-amanitin as compared to ≥16-cell embryos. Steady-state concentrations of mRNA for the proapoptotic gene BAD increased in embryos ≥16 cells. There was no significant effect of stage of development on steady-state mRNA concentrations of BCL2L1, DFFA, or BAX. Using immunohistochemistry, it was found that BCL2 was present in greater relative concentrations for 2-cell embryos than for embryos ≥16 cells. These results were confirmed by Western blotting. Relative amounts of immunoreactive BAX detected by immunofluorescence were lower for 2-cell embryos than for embryos ≥16 cells. Using Western blotting, a high molecular weight (46 kDa) form of BAX was highest in ≥16-cell embryos, intermediate in 2-cell embryos, and lowest in MII oocytes. There were no effects of stage of development on relative amounts of immunoreactive BCL2L1, HSPA1A, or BAD, as determined by immunofluorescence. Treatment of embryos with alpha-amanitin from Day 0 to Day 5 or Day 4 to Day 5 after insemination reduced activation of group II caspases and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling after treatment with the proapoptotic signal C₂ ceramide at Day 5 after fertilization. Thus, transcription of BAX or other proteins is required for acquisition of the capacity for apoptosis. Results support the idea that changes in amounts of BCL2 family members are important for the inhibition of apoptosis in the 2-cell embryo and in the establishment of the capacity for apoptosis later in development.